Mex Car Rental Reviews: Why You Should Steer Clear of It?

Listen up, folks—if you’re planning a trip and thinking about renting a car, I’ve got a hot tip for you: don’t waste your time or money with Mex Car Rental. I know, I know, the promise of a cheap rental might catch your eye, especially when you’re scrolling through booking sites trying to stretch your travel budget.

But trust me, after my own rollercoaster of an experience and sifting through a mountain of reviews, I’m here to wave a big red flag. This isn’t just about a few hiccups; it’s about a pattern of frustration, hidden costs, and customer service that’ll leave you pulling your hair out.

So grab a coffee, settle in, and let me walk you through why you’re better off spending your cash elsewhere—and what you can do instead to keep your trip smooth and stress-free.

My Personal Experience With Mex Car Rental

Let me paint you a picture of my run-in with Mex Car Rental—it’s a story I wish I could forget, but it’s burned into my memory like a bad sunburn.

I’d booked a car for a week-long trip to Mexico City, excited to explore beyond the tourist traps.

The price on the booking site was a steal—$65 for five days with full coverage insurance.

I thought I’d hit the jackpot. My flight landed late, around 9 PM, and after wrangling my luggage, I headed to the Mex counter at the airport.

That’s when the wheels started coming off.

First, the shuttle situation was a nightmare. I stood around for nearly an hour, phone in hand, calling their helpline that never picked up. Finally, a blue van with their logo rolled up, and I thought, “Okay, we’re back on track.”

Nope.

When I got to their off-site lot, the agent hit me with a curveball: my reservation didn’t guarantee a car because I was “late” (my flight was delayed—how’s that my fault?). They didn’t have the compact I’d booked, but they could “upgrade” me to an SUV—for triple the price. I’m talking $205 instead of the $65 I’d signed up for.

I argued, pointing out the lot full of midsize cars, but the agent shrugged like I was the unreasonable one.

After two hours of haggling, I caved and took the SUV—exhausted and just wanting to get to my hotel. The car itself? Fine, honestly. Clean, decent mileage, no weird smells. But the process left a sour taste.

When I returned it, they tried to tack on a $50 cleaning fee because of some dust on the hood—dust from their own lot! I fought it off, but by then, I was done. The whole ordeal felt like a bait-and-switch trap, and I couldn’t shake the feeling I’d been played. That’s when I started digging into other reviews, and wow, I wasn’t alone.

Pros of Mex Car Rental

Okay, let’s give credit where it’s due—there are a few bright spots with Mex Car Rental, though they’re dim and far between. I’m not here to trash them completely without being fair, so here’s what I found in my experience and from others who managed to squeeze some value out of it.

• Affordable Base Prices: You can’t deny it: Mex hooks you with some jaw-droppingly low rates. My $65-for-five-days deal wasn’t a fluke—tons of folks mention seeing rentals as low as $7 a day on their site. If you’re on a tight budget and everything goes perfectly, it might feel like a win. The catch? That price is a mirage. It’s like seeing a “sale” sign at a store, only to find out the fine print screws you over.
• Decent Vehicle Quality: When I finally got my hands on that SUV, I’ll admit it wasn’t a clunker. It ran smoothly, the AC worked (thank goodness, because Mexico City in summer is no joke), and it didn’t break down on me. Other reviews echo this—when you actually get a car, it’s usually in solid shape. No one’s complaining about bald tires or engines coughing up smoke. So, if you dodge the scams and delays, the wheels themselves aren’t the problem.
• Wide Location Network: Mex has spots all over Mexico—airports, tourist hubs, you name it. I saw their booths in Cancun, Mexico City, and even smaller spots like Tulum. For a Mexican brand with “global presence” (their words, not mine), they’ve got reach. If convenience is your thing and you’re willing to roll the dice, that’s a plus. But don’t get too excited—availability’s a whole other story.
• Flexibility with Age: Here’s a rare gem: Mex lets 18-year-olds rent, which isn’t common everywhere. Sure, they slap a $10 daily fee on anyone under 25, but if you’re a young traveler itching to hit the road, that’s a door other companies might slam shut. I didn’t need this perk, but I can see it appealing to some of you out there.

All that said, these pros come with massive asterisks. The low prices turn into a pumpkin at midnight, the cars only shine if you get one, and the network’s useless if they cancel on you. It’s like finding a diamond in a dumpster—nice, but you’re still wading through garbage to get it.

Cons of Mex Car Rental

Now, let’s talk about the dark side—and trust me, it’s a long, bumpy ride. After my ordeal and reading hundreds of reviews, the cons pile up like a traffic jam on the 405. Here’s why Mex Car Rental’s reputation is in the gutter.

• Bait-and-Switch Tactics: My story’s not unique—countless people say Mex lures you with cheap rates, then pulls the rug out. You book a $10-a-day compact, show up, and suddenly it’s “unavailable.” Next thing you know, you’re shelling out $50 a day for an “upgrade” you didn’t want. One reviewer called it a “Wall Street scam”—lowball online, gouge you in person. I felt that sting firsthand.
• Hidden Fees and Insurance Scams: This one’s a doozy. I thought my $65 included full coverage—wrong. They’ll hit you with mandatory insurance fees, even if you’ve got your own policy or bought coverage through a third party. Reviews mention $19-$150 daily add-ons, turning a $200 rental into $1,200. One poor soul paid an extra $1,500 because they used a debit card. My SUV jump was bad, but these stories make me look lucky.
• Awful Customer Service: If you think you can call and sort things out, think again. I tried their helpline—crickets. Others report the same: no answers, rude agents, or flat-out cancellations with no explanation. One family got stranded at Cancun Airport at 11 PM, told the office was closed, and Ubered the next day only to find their booking axed. Compassion? Zero. It’s like they train staff to stonewall you.
• Long Wait Times and Delays :Two hours to get my car wasn’t an anomaly. People talk about hour-long shuttle waits, two-hour check-ins, and 40-minute delays for the car to roll up. One guy said it took three hours for a car with a busted AC—then they charged him to swap it. Patience is a virtue, but Mex tests it like a medieval torture device.
• Unreliable Reservations: Here’s the kicker: your booking means squat. I arrived “late” and lost my car; others say Mex gave theirs away even with prepayment. High season? Tough luck. Flight delayed? Too bad. One review summed it up: “Confirmation doesn’t guarantee a car—just a headache.” It’s a lottery, and you’re not winning.

These cons aren’t quirks—they’re a pattern. Mex Car Rental’s playbook seems built on frustration, upselling, and leaving you high and dry. I walked away annoyed; others lost vacations over it.

Maintenance Tips For Renting with Mex Car Rental (or Any Rental)

If you’re stubborn enough to try Mex—or any rental company—here’s how to keep your sanity and your car in check. I learned these the hard way, and they’re gold for avoiding extra headaches.

1. Inspect the Car Like a Detective: Before you drive off, channel your inner Sherlock. I didn’t check my SUV closely and nearly got hit with that cleaning fee. Walk around, snap photos—every scratch, dent, or smudge. One renter filmed their car and dodged a $2,000 “damage” charge Mex tried to pin on them. Evidence is your shield.
2. Fuel Up Smart: Mex gave me a tank on fumes—others got the same. Check the gauge, and if it’s low, demand they fill it or note it on the contract. Return it full (or whatever they say), and keep receipts. Someone got burned returning a half-full tank with no refund. Don’t let them nickel-and-dime you.
3. Know Your Insurance Inside Out: I thought my coverage was airtight—big mistake. Call your provider before you go; ask what’s valid in Mexico. Mex loves rejecting third-party insurance, so have a declarations page handy. One guy fought off a $300 fee by proving his policy met their standards. Be ready to push back.
4. Test the Basics: Turn on the AC, wipers, lights—everything. My car was fine, but others got stuck with faulty locks or flat tires Mex ignored. One renter drove off with a check-engine light and stressed the whole trip. If it’s broken, swap it before you’re miles away.
5. Return on Their Terms: Early drop-off? Late? Clarify fees upfront—I dodged an $80 penalty by asking. Someone else left theirs at 5 AM and paid extra because Mex wasn’t open. Get the rules in writing, and stick to them like glue.

These tips won’t fix Mex’s chaos, but they’ll armor you against their tricks. Treat the car like it’s yours, and document everything—because they’re watching for slip-ups.

Comparison With Other Brands: Mex Vs. The Big Players

Alright, let’s throw Mex Car Rental into the ring with some serious contenders—ACE Car Rental, Budget Car Rental, and Avis Car Rental—and see how it holds up.

I’ve tangled with all of them on various trips, and after my Mex meltdown, I’ve got plenty to say. We’re talking price, car quality, availability, customer service—the works. Buckle up, because this is Mex going toe-to-toe with the competition, and I’m not pulling punches.

• Mex Car Rental Vs. ACE Car Rental

These two are like the sketchy cousins at a family reunion—promising the world but delivering a headache. Price is their big hook: Mex dangled a $65 deal for five days in Mexico City, while ACE once flashed a $60 week-long rental in Cancun that had me drooling.

Sounds sweet, right?

Until Mex tripled it to $205 with a forced “upgrade” to an SUV I didn’t want. ACE wasn’t much better—I’ve seen reviews (and felt it myself) where they slap on $500 deposits or $30-a-day “mandatory” insurance you can’t dodge.

My Mex car was decent—clean, functional—but ACE handed me a beat-up hatchback once with a sticky seat and a half-dead AC. Availability?

Mex gave my booked ride away because my flight landed late; ACE’s lot was a ghost town when I arrived, no heads-up, just a shrug. Service is the clincher: Mex’s helpline was a dead end, and their agents acted like I was the problem; ACE’s crew smirked while piling on fees, barely looking up from their phones.

Both have locations galore—airports, tourist traps—but it’s a coin toss if you’ll drive away. They’re neck-and-neck in the race to disappoint. You’re gambling either way, and I’d rather save my chips for a surer bet.

• Mex Car Rental Vs. Budget Car Rental

Now we’re talking a real showdown—Mex’s chaos versus Budget’s steady hand. Mex lured me in with that $65-for-five-days tease, but it morphed into $205 faster than you can say “hidden fees.” Budget, on the other hand, quoted me $140 for a week in Puerto Vallarta—straight-up, no surprises when I signed the dotted line.

Car quality?

My Mex SUV rolled fine, no weird noises, but Budget handed me a compact that was showroom-ready—spotless interior, full tank, even smelled nice. Availability is where Mex flops—my reservation vanished because of a delayed flight, leaving me haggling for two hours.

Budget?

I landed in Seattle once at midnight, flight three hours late, and they still had my car waiting, keys gleaming. Customer service seals the deal: Mex left me stranded, phone ringing into the void; Budget’s agent in Vallarta swapped a sketchy tire in 30 minutes, chatting me up like we were pals.

Mex loves its $1,500 insurance scams—saw it in reviews, felt the pressure myself. Budget’s $20-$25 daily coverage was optional, and they honored my credit card insurance without a fight. Sure, Budget’s base rate—$20-$30 a day—beats Mex’s mirage, but you’re paying for reliability, not regrets. I’d pick Budget every time; Mex can’t even lace its shoes.

• Mex Car Rental Vs. Avis Car Rental

This is less a fight and more a massacre—Avis towers over Mex like a pro boxer schooling a rookie.

Mex’s $65 bait hooked me, then stung with a $205 bill after their “unavailable car” routine.

Avis quoted me $200 for a week in Mexico City—clear as day, no last-minute gouging.

Car quality?

My Mex SUV was solid enough—cold AC, decent mileage—but Avis once gave me a sedan in LA that felt like a luxury ride: leather seats, quiet engine, the works.

Availability’s a chasm: Mex ditched my booking over a two-hour delay, forcing me to beg; Avis held my car at LAX after a three-hour flight snag, didn’t bat an eye.

Service?

Mex’s helpline was a black hole, agents cold as ice; Avis shuttled me to their Miami lot once when I missed a pickup, all smiles and apologies—for their delay, not mine! Fees are the knockout punch: Mex tried $50 for “cleaning” dust off my hood, and reviews cite $1,500 insurance traps.

Avis lists $25 daily coverage online—optional if you’re covered—and my $200 deposit bounced back fast. Avis runs $35-$50 a day, pricier than Mex’s fake-out rates, but you’re buying peace, not a circus. I’ve driven Avis coast-to-coast; Mex left me swearing off their lots for life.

Mex Car Rental’s low prices are a siren song—ACE joins the chorus, but Budget and Avis drown it out with substance. ACE mirrors Mex’s bait-and-switch hustle, while Budget delivers value you can trust, and Avis brings top-tier reliability.

My Mex nightmare—fees, delays, rudeness—was a lesson: you get what you pay for. Budget’s my go-to for keeping it real; Avis is the upgrade worth every penny. Mex? It’s a hard no—spend your money where it won’t bite you back.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Save Yourself the Trouble

Look, I’m not here to sugarcoat it: Mex Car Rental isn’t worth your time, money, or peace of mind. My experience was a mess—low prices that tripled, delays that tested my patience, and a vibe that screamed “scam.”

The reviews back me up—hundreds of folks stranded, overcharged, or ignored. Sure, the cars might run, and the network’s wide, but the cons crush any flicker of hope. You’re rolling dice with every booking, and the house always wins.

Skip Mex. Spend a few extra bucks on Hertz, Avis, or Enterprise—brands that don’t treat you like a mark. Your trip deserves better than a rental roulette. Trust me, I’ve been there—you’ll thank yourself later.